The Sago Palm
The Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) is actually a cycad rather than a palm, and is widely used in landscaping as well as an indoor plant.
Originally from Japan (Japanese Sago Palm) where it has been cultivated for over 300 years.
The low growing nature and palm like foliage make this a very popular landscaping plant. Cycas revoluta can be grown both in well spaced groups or as a feature plant.
It is one of the easiest of all of the cycads to grow, both in the ground and in containers.
HOW TO GROW CYCAS REVOLUTA – Basic Care
Sago Palms can be effective when grown in pots or containers as well as in the ground. Easy to grow and coping with cool climates the flower or ‘fruit’ makes an interesting feature.
- Light
Best grown in light shade.
If grown indoors make sure you position it in a area where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Try growing them in the ground in a position with morning sunny to light afternoon shade. - Soil
A free draining soil is essential, add extra drainage material or raise up the garden bed a little if needed. - Temperature
Seen by many as a tropical to sub tropical plant it actually grows very well in temperate to cool climates as well and the home gardener should have little difficulty growing these plants.
Avoid prolonged day time temperatures below 13°C and avoid frosts. Overwinter indoors in colder climate zones. - Watering
Drought tolerant once established. Water through the first few summers during dry periods. - Fertiliser
Sago Palms require little fertiliser although a slow release fertiliser in early spring, and mulch to help maintain a cool root run will help with growth. - Climate Zones
Temperate, Mediteranean, Tropical, Sub Tropical
Growing Cycas revoluta in Pots
Grow them in a deep pot or container with plenty of room for root growth. Eventually the Sago Palm may reach 3m in height.
Ensure that pots have adequate drainage holes to prevent root problems. A cactus and succulent potting mix is ideal.
Pruning
Other than removing dead fronds no extra pruning is required.
How to Buy
Available for sale as young plants or large mature specimens, larger plants can be costly due to the slow growing nature.
Pests, Diseases and Problems
Like all plants cycads are susceptible to pests and diseases and cycas revoluta is no exception.
- Mealy bug is one and this can be treated with an insecticidal soap. Scale (Aulacaspis) is another and although not a major problem in Australia so far this can be treated with white oil if applied on a regular basis.
- Cycad weevil is probably the worst pest and it is present in Australia. The particular weevil is called Tranes internatus, and needs to be treated by a systemic insecticide or by removing and burning infected plants.
- Root Rot
Mulching to close to the trunk can cause rot as with other plants. Over watering or wet soils can also cause root problems. - Yellowing Leaves
Over fertilisation and over watering can cause leaves to yellow.
Other Cycads include
Macrozamia moorei
Macrozamia communis
In Brisbane and The Gold Coast Try
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
In Melbourne Try
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
"Indoor potted house plants & plant gifts delivered throughout Melbourne.
Delivering quality indoor plants with convenience every time. Easy online plant purchasing, gift wrapping and delivery Melbourne."
www.garnerstore.com.au